זכריה, פרק י״ג, פסוק ח׳

The vision of the end of days presents a dramatic picture of widespread destruction accompanied by a deep spiritual cleansing. During this time, a vast majority of the population is wiped out, leaving only a select minority to survive. Commentators debate the geographical scale of these events. One approach suggests this destruction spans the entire globe [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ], while another limits the events specifically to the land of Israel [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The destruction itself is massive, claiming two-thirds of the population [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The victims will meet their end through death and destruction [מצודת ציון], with some falling by the sword in fierce wars against one another, and others succumbing to plague [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].

Regarding the identity of those who perish and those who survive, there are two primary perspectives. A universal approach maintains that two-thirds of the world's nations will be destroyed. The surviving third will consist of the righteous and good among the nations. These survivors will endure a period of suffering and purification, leading them to abandon their false beliefs, convert, and fully embrace faith in God [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. More specifically, some suggest that the bulk of the casualties from war and plague will come from the descendants of Edom, while the majority of the survivors who accept the true faith will be from the descendants of Ishmael [אברבנאל].

In contrast, a national perspective interprets these events as the Messianic wars taking place within the land of Israel. According to this view, three primary nations will gather in the land: Edom, Ishmael, and Israel. The two parts destined for destruction are the two foreign nations. The rule of Ishmael will be severed, and the descendants of Edom will fall entirely to war and plague. The surviving third refers to the nation of Israel, which will endure and inherit the land. However, the Israelites themselves will also undergo a strict process of internal refining. Sinners and rebels will be removed from their midst, ensuring that only those with true faith in God remain [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].